Railing system

ABSTRACT

There is provided a railing system having a first rail member, a second rail member, and at least one locator space-insertable barrier member. Each space-insertable barrier member is connectable to both of the first and second rail members so as to occupy space between the first and second rail members and thereby interfere with movement of matter between the first and second rail members. At least one of the first rail member and the second rail member includes at least one locator structure. The locator structure defines a locator space for receiving insertion of at least one locator space-insertable barrier member and thereby effecting positioning of the at least one received locator space-insertable barrier member relative to the rail member whose locator structure is effecting the positioning.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates to railing systems.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Railing systems have long been used for both safety and aestheticpurposes. Traditionally, railing systems have been constructed from woodbecause wood is relatively inexpensive, easy to work with, and possessessuitable strength characteristics. However, there are disadvantages withconstructing railing system from wood, including its tendency tosplinter, as well as its susceptibility to decay.

More recently, suitable material substitutes have been developed, suchas plastics, to overcome these problems encountered with using woodmaterials. It is desirable for plastic railing systems to be convenientto work with during construction of the railing.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect, there is provided a railing system comprising a firstrail member, a second rail member, and at least one locatorspace-insertable barrier member. Each one of the at least one locatorspace-insertable barrier member is connectable to both of the first andsecond rail members so as to occupy space between the first and secondrail members and thereby interfere with movement of matter between thefirst and second rail members. At least one of the first rail member andthe second rail member includes at least one locator structure, whereinthe locator structure defines a locator space for receiving insertion ofat least one of the at least one locator space-insertable barrier memberand thereby effecting positioning of the at least one received locatorspace-insertable barrier member relative to the rail member whoselocator structure is effecting the positioning, such that, when at leastone of the at least one locator space-insertable barrier member isreceived within the locator space, for each one of the at least onereceived locator space-insertable barrier member, a correspondingvisible exterior surface portion of the received locatorspace-insertable barrier member is disposed outside of the locator spacefor receiving a fastener and effecting connection, with the fastener, ofthe received locator space-insertable barrier member to thepositioning-effecting rail member such that the connection of thereceived locator space-insertable barrier member to thepositioning-effecting rail member is a locator-assisted connection, andsuch that after the locator-assisted connection is effected, thereceived locator space-insertable barrier member is disposed adjacent toa first exterior surface portion of the positioning-effecting railmember. When any one of the at least one locator space-insertablebarrier member is connected to both of the first and second rail membersand thereby effects joinder of the first and second rail members,wherein the connection of the locator space-insertable barrier member toat least one of the first and second rail members is thelocator-assisted connection, and when the joined first and second railmembers are oriented in a vertically spaced-apart relationship relativeto one another, the first exterior surface portion of thepositioning-effecting rail member, to which the locator space-insertablebarrier member is disposed in adjacent relationship, is an exteriorsurface portion on an exterior side surface of the positioning-effectingrail member.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a first embodiment of an assembledrailing system;

FIG. 2 is a sectional side elevation view of the assembled railingsystem in FIG. 1, taken along lines 2-2;

FIG. 3 is a sectional side elevation view of the first rail member ofthe railing system;

FIG. 4 is a sectional side elevation view of the second rail member ofthe railing system;

FIG. 5 is a top perspective view of a second embodiment of an assembledrailing system;

FIG. 6 is a sectional side elevation view of the assembled railingsystem in FIG. 5, taken along lines 6-6;

FIG. 7 is a top perspective view of a third embodiment of an assembledrailing system;

FIG. 8 is a sectional side elevation view of the assembled railingsystem in FIG. 7, taken along lines 8-8;

FIG. 9 is a top perspective view of a fourth embodiment of an assembledrailing system;

FIG. 10 is a sectional side elevation view of the assembled railingsystem in FIG. 9, taken along lines 10-10;

FIG. 11 is a top perspective view of a fourth embodiment of an assembledrailing system; and

FIG. 12 is a sectional side elevation view of the assembled railingsystem in FIG. 11, taken along lines 12-12.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

There is provided a railing system for constructing a railing.

The term “substantially identical”, when used in the present disclosurewith respect to a member of a set, means that each one of the members isnot significantly visually different from any one of the other membersand that any visual differences are not apparent or not sufficientlynoticeable.

Referring to FIG. 1, the railing system 100 includes a first rail member102, a second rail member 104, and at least one locator space-insertablebarrier members 106. Each one of the at least one locatorspace-insertable barrier member 106 is connectable to both of the firstand second rail members 102, 104 so as to occupy space between the firstand second rail members 102, 104 and thereby interfere with movement ofmatter between the first and second rail members 102, 104.

In some embodiments, for example, each one of the first rail member 102and the second rail member 104 includes plastic material. For example,suitable plastic material includes polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyolefinmaterial, and composite plastic material (e.g. wood flour and/or ricehulls combined with PVC or a polyolefin. In some embodiments, forexample, each one of the first rail member 102 and the second railmember 104 includes a constant cross-sectional profile along itslongitudinal axis. In some embodiments, for example, each one of thefirst rail member 102 and the second rail member 104 is an extrudedlineal.

In some embodiments, for example, each one of the at least one locatorspace-insertable barrier member 106 is of tempered glass material. Insome embodiments, for example, each one of the at least one locatorspace-insertable barrier member 106 is any one of a picket, a baluster,a fence panel, a board, or a slat. In some embodiments, for example,each one of the at least one locator space-insertable barrier member 106includes a substantially constant lateral thickness along itslongitudinal axis. The locator space-insertable barrier member 106 mayassume any number of suitable shapes or configurations. For example, themember 106 can assume the form of a board (see FIG. 1) or a classicalbaluster (see FIG. 3).

In some embodiments, for example, each one of the at least one locatorspace-insertable barrier member 106 includes a first end 108 and asecond end 110 that is opposite to the first end 108. In someembodiments, for example, for each one of the at least one locatorspace-insertable barrier member 106, each one of the first and secondends 108, 110 of the locator space-insertable barrier member 106includes a maximum width of less than 0.375 inches. In some embodiments,for example, the maximum width is 0.34 inches.

At least one of the first rail member 102 and the second rail member 104includes at least one locator structure 112. The locator structure 112defines a locator space 114 for receiving insertion of at least one ofthe at least one locator space-insertable barrier member 106. Byreceiving insertion of at least one of the at least one locatorspace-insertable barrier member 106, positioning of the at least onereceived locator space-insertable barrier member 106 is thereby effectedrelative to the rail member whose locator structure 112 is effecting thepositioning. When at least one of the at least one locatorspace-insertable barrier member 106 is received within the locator space114, for each one of the at least one received locator space-insertablebarrier member 106, a corresponding visible exterior surface portion 116of the received locator space-insertable barrier member 106 is disposedoutside of the locator space 114 for receiving a fastener and effectingconnection, with one or more fasteners 118, of the received locatorspace-insertable barrier member 106 to the positioning-effecting railmember 102. The connection of the received locator space-insertablebarrier member 106 to the positioning-effecting rail member 102 is alocator-assisted connection. After the locator-assisted connection iseffected, the received locator space-insertable barrier member 106 isdisposed adjacent to a first exterior surface portion 120 of thepositioning-effecting rail member 102.

In some embodiments, for example, the locator space 114 is definedwithin a recess provided in the corresponding rail member.

In some embodiment, for example, the width of the locator space 114 ismarginally wider than the corresponding locator space-insertable barriermember 106.

In some embodiments, the locator structure 112 includes a frangiblemember 122 that is positioned to interfere with insertion of any one ofthe locator space-insertable barrier members 106 into the locator space114. The frangible member 122 is breakable, upon application of a manualforce to the frangible member 122, so as to permit the insertion of anyone of the locator space-insertable barrier members 106 into the locatorspace 114. In some of these embodiments, for example, the frangiblemember 122 is provided to conceal the locator space 114 from view foraesthetic purposes, when the locator structure 112 is not being used toconstruct a railing system 100 with the at least one locatorspace-insertable barrier member 106.

In some embodiments, for example, the at least one locator structure 112includes a wider barrier member-locator structure 112 a and a thinnerbarrier member-locator structure 112 b. Each one of the at least onereceived locator space-insertable barrier member 106 that is received bythe wider barrier member-locator structure 112 a is wider than any oneof the at least one received locator space-insertable barrier member 106that is received by the narrower barrier member-locator structure 112 b.In some of these embodiments, for example, each one of the at least onereceived locator space-insertable barrier member 106 that is received bythe wider barrier member-locator structure 112 a is a multiple of atleast 1.2. In some embodiments, for example, the multiple is at least1.25 wider than any one of the at least one received locatorspace-insertable barrier member 106 that is received by the narrowerbarrier member-locator structure 112 b. In some of these embodiments,for example, the wider barrier member-locator structure 112 a isdisposed on a side 124 of one of the first and second rail members thatis opposite to the side 126 on which the narrower barrier member-locatorstructure 112 b is disposed. In some of these embodiments, for example,for each one of the wider barrier member-locator structure 112 a and thenarrower barrier member-locator structure 112 b, the locator structureis defined by a recess provided in the rail member.

When any one of the at least one locator space-insertable barrier member106 is connected to both of the first and second rail members 102, 104and thereby effects joinder of the first and second rail members 102,104, and the connection of the locator space-insertable barrier member106 to at least one of the first and second rail members 102, 104 is thelocator-assisted connection, and when the joined first and second railmembers 102, 104 are oriented in a vertically spaced-apart relationshiprelative to one another, the first exterior surface portion 120 of thepositioning-effecting rail member 102, to which the locatorspace-insertable barrier member 106 is disposed in adjacentrelationship, is an exterior surface portion on an exterior side surfaceof the positioning-effecting rail member 102.

In some embodiments, for example, at least one of the at least onelocator space-insertable barriers 106 is connectable to both of thefirst and second rail members 102, 104 to effect joinder of the firstand second rail members 102, 104 by connection to each one of the firstand second rail members 102, 104 with the locator-assisted connection.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, in some embodiments, for example, the atleast one locator space-insertable barrier member 106 includes aplurality of substantially identical locator space-insertable barriermembers 106 a of a first set of locator space-insertable barriermembers.

Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, in some embodiments, for example, the atleast one locator space-insertable barrier member further includes aplurality of substantially identical locator space-insertable barriermembers 106 b of a second set of locator space-insertable barriermembers. In this respect, the locator space-insertable barrier members106 of the first set of locator space-insertable barrier members arecharacterized by a different shape in comparison to the locatorspace-insertable barrier members 106 a of the second set of locatorspace-insertable barrier members. In some embodiments, for example, thebarrier members 106 b are made from aluminum, such as extruded aluminum

Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, in some embodiments, for example, therailing system further includes a set of locator space-uninsertablebarrier members defined by a plurality of substantially identicallocator space-uninsertable barrier members 128. The barrier members 128illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8 are made from plastic material (asabove-described), and are manufactured by extrusion followed byblow-moulding. Each one of the locator space-uninsertable barriermembers 128 is connectable to both of the first and second rail members102, 104 so as to occupy space between the first and second rail members102, 104 and thereby interfere with movement of matter between the firstand second rail members 102, 104. In some embodiments, for example, whenany one of the at least one locator space-uninsertable barrier member128 is connected to both of the first and second rail members 102, 104and thereby effects joinder of the first and second rail members 102,104, and when the joined first and second rail members are oriented suchthat the first rail member 102 is disposed vertically above the secondrail member 104 (see FIG. 5), the locator space-uninsertable barriermember 128 extends from a second exterior surface portion 130 on a lowerexterior side surface 132 of the first rail member 102 and also extendsfrom a third exterior surface portion 134 on an upper exterior sidesurface 136 of the second rail member 104. In some embodiments, forexample, when any one of the at least one locator space-uninsertablebarrier member 128 is connected to both of the first and second railmembers 102, 104 and thereby effects joinder of the first and secondrail members 102, 104, and when the joined first and second rail members102, 104 are oriented such that the first rail member 102 is disposedvertically above the second rail member 104, the longitudinal axis ofthe locator space-uninsertable barrier member 128 is oriented so as tointersect a second exterior surface portion 130 on a lower exterior sidesurface 132 of the first rail member 102 and so as also to intersect athird exterior surface portion 134 on an upper exterior side surface 136of the second rail member 104. In some of these embodiments, forexample, the second exterior surface portion 130 on the lower exteriorside surface 132 of the first rail member 102 opposes the third exteriorsurface portion 134 on the upper exterior side surface 136 of the secondrail member 104.

In some embodiments, for example, each one of the plurality ofsubstantially identical first locator space-uninsertable barrier members128 includes plastic material (such as for the embodiment, illustratedin FIGS. 7 and 8, and the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10.Alternatively, the barrier members can be made from aluminum, such asextruded aluminum (such as the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 9 and10). In some embodiments, for example, each one of the plurality ofsubstantially identical first locator space-uninsertable barrier membersis any one of a picket, a baluster, a fence panel, a board, or a slat.In some embodiments, for example, each one of the plurality ofsubstantially identical first locator space-uninsertable barrier membersincludes a substantially constant lateral thickness along itslongitudinal axis. The first locator space-uninsertable barrier membermay assume any number of suitable shapes or configurations. For example,the member 128 can take the form of a classical baluster (see FIGS. 7and 8, plastic material that has been extruded and then blow-moulded),or a square-shaped picket (see FIGS. 9 and 10, extruded plasticmaterial), or a tubular picket (FIGS. 11 and 12, extruded aluminum).

Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, in some embodiments, for example, the set oflocator space-uninsertable barrier members is a first set of locatorspace-uninsertable barrier members, and the plurality of substantiallyidentical locator space-uninsertable barrier members 128 is a pluralityof substantially identical first locator space-uninsertable barriermembers 128 a. FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate the railing system assembledwith another set of substantially identical first locatorspace-uninsertable barrier members 128 b, wherein the manner ofconnection of the members 128 b to both of the rail members 102, 104 issimilar to the members 128 a. In these embodiments, each one of thefirst and second rail members 102, 104 includes a respective pluralityof connecting regions 142, wherein each one of the connecting regions142 is formable into a locator space-uninsertable barrier memberreceiving recess 144 for receiving an end of any one of the plurality ofsubstantially identical first locator space-uninsertable barrier members128 a such that an interference fit relationship is provided between thefirst locator space-uninsertable barrier member receiving recess 144 andthe locator space-uninsertable barrier member 128 a. For each one of theplurality of substantially identical first locator space-uninsertablebarrier members 128 a, a first end 138 of the first locatorspace-uninsertable barrier member 128 a is engageable in an interferencefit relationship with a locator space-uninsertable barrier memberreceiving recess 144 that has been formed within the first rail member102, and a second end 140 of the first locator space-uninsertablebarrier member 128 a, opposite to the first end 138, is engageable in aninterference fit relationship with a locator space-uninsertable barriermember receiving recess 144 that has been formed within the second railmember 104, so as to effect the connection of the first locatorspace-uninsertable barrier member 128 a to both of the first and secondrail members 102, 104. In some of these embodiments, for example, foreach one of the plurality of substantially identical first locatorspace-uninsertable barrier members 128 a, a first protuberance 150 isprovided proximate to the first end 138 of the first locatorspace-uninsertable barrier member and a second protuberance 152 isprovided proximate to the second end 140 of the first locatorspace-uninsertable barrier member 128 a that is opposite to the firstend 146, wherein the first protuberance 150 is engageable in aninterference fit relationship with a locator space-uninsertable barriermember receiving recess 144 that has been formed within the first railmember 102, and the second protuberance 152 is engageable in aninterference fit relationship with a locator space-uninsertable barriermember receiving recess 144 that has been formed within the second railmember 104, so as to effect the connection of the locatorspace-uninsertable barrier member 128 a to both of the first and secondrail members 102, 104. In some of these embodiments, for example, atleast one of the protuberance 150 or 152 and the rail member portiondefining the formed locator space-uninsertable barrier member receivingrecess 144 resiliently deforms to accommodate insertion of theprotuberance 150 or 152 into the formed locator space-uninsertablebarrier member receiving recess 144. In some of these embodiments, forexample, for each one of the connecting regions 142 of each one of thefirst and second rail members 102, 104, the connecting region 142 isformable into the locator space-uninsertable barrier member receivingrecess 144 by cutting the connecting region 142 to effect exposure of acavity 154 provided within the respective rail member, wherein thelocator space-uninsertable barrier member receiving recess 144 includesthe exposed cavity 154. In some of these embodiments, for example, foreach one of the connecting regions 142 of each one of the first andsecond rail members 102, 104, the connecting region 142 is formable intothe locator space-uninsertable barrier member receiving recess 144 byusing a secondary manufacturing process after the respective one of thefirst and second rail members 102, 104 has been extruded, such that thesecondary manufacturing process effects exposure of the cavity 154provided within the respective rail member, wherein the locatorspace-uninsertable barrier member receiving recess 144 includes theexposed cavity 154. A suitable example of the secondary manufacturingprocess is any one of cutting, routing, machining, or milling.

Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12. In some embodiments, for example, the setof locator space-uninsertable barrier members is a third set of locatorspace-uninsertable barrier members 128, and the plurality ofsubstantially identical locator space-uninsertable barrier members is aplurality of substantially identical second locator space-uninsertablebarrier members 128 c. In these embodiments, the railing system 100further includes a plurality of coupling adaptors 156 connectable toeither one of the first and second rail members 102, 104. For each oneof the coupling adaptors 156, after the coupling adaptor 156 has beenconnected to the rail member, the coupling adaptor 156 is configured toeffect connection of one end of any one of the second locatorspace-uninsertable barrier members 128 c to the rail member that isconnected to the coupling adaptor 156 by interference fit engagement ofone end of the locator space-uninsertable barrier member 128 c to thecoupling adaptor 156. For each one of the plurality of substantiallyidentical second locator space-uninsertable barrier members 128 c, afirst end 158 of the second locator space-uninsertable barrier member128 c is engageable in an interference fit relationship with a couplingadaptor 156 that has been connected to the first rail member 102, and asecond end 160 of the second locator space-uninsertable barrier member128 c, that is opposite to the first end 158, is engageable in aninterference fit relationship with a coupling adaptor 156 that has beenconnected to the second rail member 104, so as to effect the connectionof the second locator space-uninsertable barrier member 128 c to both ofthe first and second rail members 102, 104. In some embodiments, forexample, for each one of the second locator space-uninsertable barriermembers 128 c, the first and second ends 158, 160 of the second locatorspace-uninsertable barrier member 128 c are open ended, and for each oneof the first and second ends 158, 160 of each one of the second locatorspace-uninsertable barrier members 128 c, the engagement in aninterference fit relationship with the coupling adaptor 156 is effectedby pressing the end of the second locator space-uninsertable barriermember 128 c over the coupling adaptor 156. In some embodiments, forexample, each one of the coupling members 156 includes a protrusion 158,such that the connected coupling member defines a protrusion extendingfrom the rail member to which the coupling member 156 is connected.

In some embodiments, for any one of the plurality of substantiallyidentical second locator space-uninsertable barrier member 128 c, whenthe first end 158 of the second locator space-uninsertable barriermember is disposed in an interference fit relationship with a couplingadaptor 156 that is connected to the first rail member 102 and thesecond end 160 of the second locator space-uninsertable barrier member128 c, opposite to the first end 158, is also disposed in aninterference fit relationship with a coupling adaptor 156 that isconnected to the second rail member 104, such that the second locatorspace-uninsertable barrier member 128 c is connected to both of thefirst and second rail members 102, 104 and thereby effects joinder ofthe first and second rail members 102, 104, an assembly of theinterference fit engaged coupling adaptors 156 and the second locatorspace-uninsertable barrier member 128 c, to which the coupling adaptors156 are interference fit engaged, defines a modified second locatorspace-uninsertable barrier member 162. In some embodiments, when thejoined first and second rail members 102, 104 are oriented such that thefirst rail member 102 is disposed vertically above the second railmember 104, the modified second locator space-uninsertable barriermember 162 extends from an exterior surface portion on a lower exteriorside surface of the first rail member 102 and also extends from anexterior surface portion on an upper exterior side surface of the secondrail member 104. In some embodiments, for example, when the joined firstand second rail members 102, 104 are oriented such that the first railmember 102 is disposed vertically above the second rail member 104, thelongitudinal axis of the modified second locator space-uninsertablebarrier member 104 is oriented so as to intersect a fourth exteriorsurface portion 164 on a lower exterior side surface of the first railmember 102 and so as also to intersect a fifth exterior surface portion166 on an upper exterior side surface of the second rail member 104. Insome of these embodiments, for example, the fourth exterior surfaceportion 164 on the lower exterior side surface of the first rail member102 opposes the fifth exterior surface portion 166 on the upper exteriorside surface of the second rail member 104.

In some embodiments, for example, the coupling adaptor 156 that has beenconnected to the first rail member 102 is disposed in contact engagementwith the fourth exterior surface portion 164, and the coupling adaptor156 that has been connected to the second rail member 104 is disposed incontact engagement with the fifth exterior surface portion 166. In someembodiments, for example, the coupling adaptor 156 that has beenconnected to the first rail member 102 is connected with a fastener 168that penetrates through the coupling adaptor 156 and the fourth exteriorsurface portion 166, and the coupling adaptor 156 that has beenconnected to the second rail member 104 is connected with a fastener 170that penetrates through the coupling adaptor 156 and the fifth exteriorsurface portion 166.

Assembly of an embodiment of a railing section 200 (see FIGS. 1 and 2)using the first and second rail members 102, 104 and the first set of aplurality of substantially identical locator space-insertable barriermembers 106 a will now be described. The frangible member 122 is brokenand removed so as to expose the locator cavity 114. A first locatorspace-insertable barrier member 106 a is inserted into and received bythe locator space 114 of the first rail member 102. While insertedwithin the locator space 114, a visible exterior surface portion 116 ofthe received locator space-insertable barrier member 106 a is disposedoutside of the locator space 114, thereby providing a visual locationingtool for locating one or more fasteners 118 (in this case, a screw) foreffecting connection of the first rail member 102 with the firstlocator-space insertable barrier member 106 a. The screw 118 is forcedto penetrate through both of the received locator space-insertablebarrier member 106 a and the first rail member 102 so as to effectconnection of the received locator space-insertable barrier member 106 aand the first rail member 102. When connected, the received locatorspace-insertable barrier member 106 a is disposed adjacent to a firstexterior surface portion 120 of the first rail member 102. An oppositeend of the locator space-insertable barrier member 106 a is thenconnected to an exterior side surface of the second rail member 104using fasteners 172, such as screws, such that the first and second railmembers 102, 104 are disposed in substantial vertical alignment. Thiseffects connection of any one of the first locator space-insertablebarrier member 106 a to both of the first and second rail members 102,104. This procedure of connecting a first locator space-insertablebarrier member 106 a to the first and second rail members 102, 104 isrepeated for each one of the first locator space-insertable barriermembers 106 a to effect assembly of an embodiment of the railing section200. Of course, it is understood that a railing section 300 (see FIGS. 5and 6) can be assembled using the first and second rail members 102, 104and the second set of a plurality of substantially identical locatorspace-insertable barrier members 106 b.

Assembly of an embodiment of a railing section 400 (see FIGS. 7 and 8)using the first and second rail members 102, 104 and the first set of aplurality of substantially identical first locator space-uninsertablebarrier members 128 a will now be described. For each one of the firstand second rail members 102, 104, the connection region 142 is formedinto the locator space-uninsertable barrier member receiving recess 144by using a secondary manufacturing process. The secondary manufacturingprocess (in this case, routing) effects exposure of the cavity 154provided within the respective rail member, wherein the locatorspace-uninsertable barrier member receiving recess 144 includes theexposed cavity 154. The first end 138 of a first locatorspace-uninsertable barrier member is pressed into a locatorspace-uninsertable barrier member receiving recess 144 that has beenformed within the first rail member 102 such that the protuberance 150is forced into the locator space-uninsertable barrier member receivingrecess 144 and an interference fit relationship is effected with thelocator space-uninsertable barrier member receiving recess 144 that hasbeen formed within the first rail member 102. The second end 140 of thefirst locator space-uninsertable barrier member 128 a is pressed into alocator space-uninsertable barrier member receiving recess 144 that hasbeen formed within the second rail member 104 such that the protuberance152 is forced into the locator space-uninsertable barrier memberreceiving recess 144 and an interference fit relationship is effectedwith the locator space-uninsertable barrier member receiving recess 144that has been formed within the second rail member 104. This effect theconnection of any one of the first locator space-uninsertable barriermember 128 a to both of the first and second rail members 102, 104. Thisprocedure of connecting a first locator space-uninsertable barriermember to the first and second rail members 102, 104 is repeated foreach one of the first locator space-uninsertable barrier members 128 ato effect assembly of the railing section 300. Of course, it isunderstood that a railing section 500 (see FIGS. 9 and 10) can beassembled using the first and second rail members 102, 104 and the otherset of substantially identical first locator space-uninsertable barriermembers 128 b.

Assembly of an embodiment of a railing section 600 (see FIGS. 11 and 12)using the first and second rail members 102, 104 and the third set of aplurality of substantially identical second locator space-unnsertablebarrier members 128 c will now be described. Each one of the pluralityof substantially identical second locator space-uninsertable barriermembers 128 c includes opposite open ends 158, 160 that are open-ended.A coupling adaptor 156 is connected to the first rail member 102 with afastener 168, such as a screw so as to present a boss (or protuberance)that extends from the second rail member. A coupling adaptor 156 is alsoconnected to the second rail member with a fastener 170, such as ascrew. The first end 158 of the second locator space-uninsertablebarrier member 128 c is pressed over the coupling adaptor 156 connectedto the first rail member 102 such that an interference fit relationshipis effected with the coupling adaptor 156 that has been connected to thefirst rail member 102. The second open end 160 of the second locatorspace-uninsertable barrier member 128 c, opposite to the first open end158, is pressed over the coupling adaptor 156 connected to the secondrail member 104 such that an interference fit relationship is effectedwith the coupling adaptor 156 that has been connected to the second railmember 104. This effects the connection of any one of the second locatorspace-uninsertable barrier member 128 c to both of the first and secondrail members 102, 104. This procedure of connecting a second locatorspace-uninsertable barrier member 128 c to the first and second railmembers 102, 104 is repeated for each one of the second locatorspace-uninsertable barrier members 128 c to effect assembly of therailing section 600.

Any of the above-described embodiments of the assembled railing section600 can be installed between a pair of support members 180 includingposts, columns, or walls. For each one of the railing sections 200, 300,400, 500, 600, the railing section is installed between a pair of posts180.

While this invention has been described with reference to illustrativeembodiments and examples, the description is not intended to beconstrued in a limiting sense. Thus, various modification of theillustrative embodiments, as well as other embodiments of the invention,will be apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to thisdescription. It is therefore contemplated that the appended claims willcover any such modifications or embodiments. Further, all of the claimsare hereby incorporated by reference into the description of thepreferred embodiments.

1. A railing system comprising: a first rail member; a second railmember; and at least one locator space-insertable barrier member,wherein each one of the at least one locator space-insertable barriermember is connectable to both of the first and second rail members so asto occupy space between the first and second rail members and therebyinterfere with movement of matter between the first and second railmembers; wherein at least one of the first rail member and the secondrail member includes at least one locator structure, wherein the locatorstructure defines a locator space for receiving insertion of at leastone of the at least one locator space-insertable barrier member andthereby effecting positioning of the at least one received locatorspace-insertable barrier member relative to the rail member whoselocator structure is effecting the positioning, such that, when at leastone of the at least one locator space-insertable barrier member isreceived within the locator space, for each one of the at least onereceived locator space-insertable barrier member, a correspondingvisible exterior surface portion of the received locatorspace-insertable barrier member is disposed outside of the locator spacefor receiving a fastener and effecting connection, with the fastener, ofthe received locator space-insertable barrier member to thepositioning-effecting rail member such that the connection of thereceived locator space-insertable barrier member to thepositioning-effecting rail member is a locator-assisted connection, andsuch that after the locator-assisted connection is effected, thereceived locator space-insertable barrier member is disposed adjacent toa first exterior surface portion of the positioning-effecting railmember; such that, when any one of the at least one locatorspace-insertable barrier member is connected to both of the first andsecond rail members and thereby effects joinder of the first and secondrail members, wherein the connection of the locator space-insertablebarrier member to at least one of the first and second rail members isthe locator-assisted connection, and when the joined first and secondrail members are oriented in a vertically spaced-apart relationshiprelative to one another, the first exterior surface portion of thepositioning-effecting rail member, to which the locator space-insertablebarrier member is disposed in adjacent relationship, is an exteriorsurface portion on an exterior side surface of the positioning-effectingrail member.
 2. The railing assembly as claimed in claim 1; wherein atleast one of the at least one locator space-insertable barriers isconnectable to both of the first and second rail members to effectjoinder of the first and second rail members by connection to each oneof the first and second rail members with the locator-assistedconnection.
 3. The railing assembly as claimed in claim 1; wherein, foreach one of the at least one received locator space-insertable barriermember: the received locator space-insertable barrier member ispositioned in opposition to the first exterior surface portion of thepositioning-effecting rail member, such that the received locatorspace-insertable barrier member is connectable to thepositioning-effecting rail member by a fastener penetrating: (i) throughthe received locator space-insertable barrier member, and (ii) throughthe first exterior surface portion of the positioning-effecting railmember.
 4. The railing assembly as claimed in claim 1; wherein, for eachone of the at least one received locator space-insertable barriermember: the received locator space-insertable barrier member ispositioned in opposition to the first exterior surface portion of thepositioning-effecting rail member, such that the received locatorspace-insertable barrier member is connectable to thepositioning-effecting rail member by a fastener penetrating: (i) inthrough the corresponding visible surface portion of the receivedlocator space-insertable barrier member, and (ii) out through a surfaceportion of the received locator space-insertable barrier member that isopposite to the visible surface portion, and (iii) in through the firstexterior surface portion of the positioning-effecting rail member. 5.The railing assembly as claimed in claim 3; wherein the first exteriorsurface portion is any surface portion of the positioning-effecting railmember that is opposing the surface portion of the received locatorspace-insertable barrier member that is opposite to the correspondingvisible surface portion.
 6. The railing assembly as claimed in claim 1;wherein each one of the at least one locator space-insertable barriermember includes a maximum width of less than 0.375 inches.
 7. Therailing system as claimed in claim 1; wherein, for each one of the atleast one received locator space-insertable barrier member, the receivedlocator space-insertable barrier member is connectable to the other oneof the rail members with another fastener, and such that after theconnection of the received locator space-insertable barrier member tothe other one of the rail members is effected, the received locatorspace-insertable barrier member is disposed adjacent to a secondexterior surface portion of the other one of the rail members; suchthat, when any one of the at least one locator space-insertable barriermember is connected to both of the first and second rail members andthereby effects joinder of the first and second rail members, whereinthe connection of the locator space-insertable barrier member to one ofthe first and second rail members is the locator-assisted connection,and when the joined first and second rail members are oriented in avertically spaced-apart relationship relative to one another, the secondexterior surface portion of the other one of the rail members, to whichthe locator space-insertable barrier member is disposed in adjacentrelationship, is an exterior surface portion on an exterior side surfaceof the other one of the rail members.
 8. The railing system as claimedin claim 1; wherein, for each one of the at least one received locatorspace-insertable barrier member, after the locator-assisted connectionis effected, the received locator space-insertable barrier member isdisposed in abutting contact with the first exterior surface portion ofthe positioning-effecting rail member.
 9. The railing system as claimedin claim 1; wherein, for each one of the at least one received locatorspace-insertable barrier member, after the locator-assisted connectionis effected, the received locator space-insertable barrier member isdisposed in contact engagement with the first exterior surface portionof the positioning-effecting rail member;
 10. The railing system asclaimed in claim 1; wherein the locator space includes a recess.
 11. Therailing system as claimed in claim 1; wherein the locator structureincludes a frangible member that is positioned to interfere withinsertion of any one of the locator space-insertable barrier membersinto the locator space, and wherein the frangible member is breakable,upon application of a manual force to the frangible member, so as topermit the insertion.
 12. The railing system as claimed in claim 1;wherein the at least one locator structure includes a wider barriermember-locator structure and a thinner barrier member-locator structure;wherein each one of the at least one received locator space-insertablebarrier member that is received by the wider barrier member-locatorstructure is wider than any one of the at least one received locatorspace-insertable barrier member that is received by the narrower barriermember-locator structure.
 13. The railing system as claimed in claim 12;wherein each one of the at least one received locator space-insertablebarrier member that is received by the wider barrier member-locatorstructure is a multiple of at least 1.2 wider than any one of the atleast one received locator space-insertable barrier member that isreceived by the narrower barrier member-locator structure.
 14. Therailing system as claimed in claim 12; wherein the wider barriermember-locator structure is disposed on a side of the rail member thatis opposite to the side on which the narrower barrier member-locatorstructure is disposed.
 15. The railing system as claimed in claim 1;wherein each one of the rail members includes plastic material.
 16. Therailing system as claimed in claim 14; wherein each one of the railmembers is an extruded lineal.
 17. The railing system as claimed inclaim 1; wherein the at least one locator space-insertable barriermember includes a plurality of substantially identical locatorspace-insertable barrier members of a first set of locatorspace-insertable barrier members.
 18. The railing system as claimed inclaim 17; wherein the at least one locator space-insertable barriermember further includes a plurality of substantially identical locatorspace-insertable barrier members of a second set of locatorspace-insertable barrier members; and wherein the locatorspace-insertable barrier members of the first set of locatorspace-insertable barrier members are characterized by a different shapein comparison to the locator space-insertable barrier members of thesecond set of locator space-insertable barrier members.
 19. The railingsystem as claimed in claim 17; further comprising a set of locatorspace-uninsertable barrier members defined by a plurality ofsubstantially identical locator space-uninsertable barrier members,wherein each one of the locator space-uninsertable barrier members isconnectable to both of the first and second rail members so as to occupyspace between the first and second rail members and thereby interferewith movement of matter between the first and second rail members; suchthat, when any one of the at least one locator space-uninsertablebarrier member is connected to both of the first and second rail membersand thereby effects joinder of the first and second rail members, andwhen the joined first and second rail members are oriented such that thefirst rail member is disposed vertically above the second rail member,the locator space-uninsertable barrier member extends from a thirdexterior surface portion on a lower exterior side surface of the firstrail member and also extends from a fourth exterior surface portion onan upper exterior side surface of the second rail member.
 20. Therailing system as claimed in claim 17; further comprising a set oflocator space-uninsertable barrier members defined by a plurality ofsubstantially identical locator space-uninsertable barrier members,wherein each one of the locator space-uninsertable barrier members isconnectable to both of the first and second rail members so as to occupyspace between the first and second rail members and thereby interferewith movement of matter between the first and second rail members; suchthat, when any one of the at least one locator space-uninsertablebarrier member is connected to both of the first and second rail membersand thereby effects joinder of the first and second rail members, andwhen the joined first and second rail members are oriented such that thefirst rail member is disposed vertically above the second rail member,the longitudinal axis of the locator space-uninsertable barrier memberis oriented so as to intersect a third exterior surface portion on alower exterior side surface of the first rail member and so as also tointersect a fourth exterior surface portion on an upper exterior sidesurface of the second rail member.
 21. The railing system as claimed inclaim 19; wherein the third exterior surface portion on the lowerexterior side surface of the first rail member opposes the fourthexterior surface portion on the upper exterior side surface of thesecond rail member.
 22. The railing system as claimed in claim 21;wherein an axis normal to any one of the first and second exteriorsurface portions is disposed in a transverse relationship to an axisnormal to any one of the third and fourth exterior surface portions. 23.The railing system as claimed in claim 21; wherein an axis normal to anyone of the first and second exterior surface portions is orthogonal toan axis normal to any one of the third and fourth exterior surfaceportions.
 24. The railing system as claimed in claim 17; furthercomprising a set of locator space-uninsertable barrier members definedby a plurality of substantially identical locator space-uninsertablebarrier members, wherein each one of the locator space-uninsertablebarrier members is connectable to both of the first and second railmembers so as to occupy space between the first and second rail membersand thereby interfere with movement of matter between the first andsecond rail members; and also further comprising a plurality of couplingadaptors connectable to either one of the first and second rail members,wherein, for each one of the coupling adaptors, after the couplingadaptor has been connected to the rail member, the coupling adaptor isconfigured to effect connection of one end of a locatorspace-uninsertable barrier member to a one of the rail members byinterference fit engagement of one end of the locator space-uninsertablebarrier member to the coupling adaptor; wherein, for each one of theplurality of substantially identical locator space-uninsertable barriermembers, one end of the locator space-uninsertable barrier member isengageable in an interference fit relationship with a coupling adaptorthat has been connected to the first rail member, and a second end ofthe locator space-uninsertable barrier member is engageable in aninterference fit relationship with a coupling adaptor that has beenconnected to the second rail member, so as to effect the connection ofthe locator space-uninsertable barrier member to both of the first andsecond rail members; such that, for any one of the at least one locatorspace-uninsertable barrier member, when a one end of the locatorspace-uninsertable barrier member is disposed in an interference fitrelationship with a coupling adaptor that is connected to the first railmember and is also disposed in an interference fit relationship with acoupling adaptor that is connected to the second rail member, such thatthe locator space-uninsertable barrier member is connected to both ofthe first and second rail members and thereby effects joinder of thefirst and second rail members, the assembly of the interference fitengaged coupling adaptors and the locator space-uninsertable barriermember, to which the coupling adaptors are interference fit engaged,defines a modified locator space-uninsertable barrier member, and whenthe joined first and second rail members are oriented such that thefirst rail member is disposed vertically above the second rail member,the modified locator space-uninsertable barrier member extends from athird exterior surface portion on a lower exterior side surface of thefirst rail member and also extends from a fourth exterior surfaceportion on an upper exterior side surface of the second rail member. 25.The railing system as claimed in claim 17; further comprising a set oflocator space-uninsertable barrier members defined by a plurality ofsubstantially identical locator space-uninsertable barrier members,wherein each one of the locator space-uninsertable barrier members isconnectable to both of the first and second rail members so as to occupyspace between the first and second rail members and thereby interferewith movement of matter between the first and second rail members; andalso further comprising a plurality of coupling adaptors connectable toeither one of the first and second rail members, wherein, after thecoupling adaptor has been connected to the rail member, each one of thecoupling adaptors is configured to effect connection of one end of alocator space-uninsertable barrier member to a one of the rail membersby interference fit engagement of one end of the locatorspace-uninsertable barrier member to the coupling adaptor; wherein, foreach one of the plurality of substantially identical locatorspace-uninsertable barrier members, one end of the locatorspace-uninsertable barrier member is engageable in an interference fitrelationship with a coupling adaptor that has been connected to thefirst rail member, and a second end of the locator space-uninsertablebarrier member is engageable in an interference fit relationship with acoupling adaptor that has been connected to the second rail member, soas to effect the connection of the locator space-uninsertable barriermember to both of the first and second rail members; such that, for anyone of the at least one locator space-uninsertable barrier member, whena one end of the locator space-uninsertable barrier member is disposedin an interference fit relationship with a coupling adaptor that isconnected to the first rail member and is also disposed in aninterference fit relationship with a coupling adaptor that is connectedto the second rail member, such that the locator space-uninsertablebarrier member is connected to both of the first and second rail membersand thereby effects joinder of the first and second rail members, theassembly of the interference fit engaged coupling adaptors and thelocator space-uninsertable barrier member, to which the couplingadaptors are interference fit engaged, defines a modified locatorspace-uninsertable barrier member, and when the joined first and secondrail members are oriented such that the first rail member is disposedvertically above the second rail member, the longitudinal axis of themodified locator space-uninsertable barrier member is oriented so as tointersect a third exterior surface portion on a lower exterior sidesurface of the first rail member and so as also to intersect a fourthexterior surface portion on an upper exterior side surface of the secondrail member.
 26. The railing system as claimed in claim 24; wherein, foreach one of the plurality of substantially identical locatorspace-uninsertable barrier members, one end of the locatorspace-uninsertable barrier member is engageable in an interference fitrelationship with a coupling adaptor that has been connected to thefirst rail member and is disposed in contact engagement with the thirdexterior surface portion, and a second end of the locatorspace-uninsertable barrier member is engageable in an interference fitrelationship with a coupling adaptor that has been connected to thesecond rail member and is disposed in contact engagement with the fourthexterior surface portion.
 27. The railing system as claimed in claim 24;wherein, for each one of the plurality of substantially identicallocator space-uninsertable barrier members, one end of the locatorspace-uninsertable barrier member is engageable in an interference fitrelationship with a coupling adaptor that has been connected to thefirst rail member with a fastener that penetrates through the couplingadaptor and the third exterior surface portion, and a second end of thelocator space-uninsertable barrier member is engageable in aninterference fit relationship with a coupling adaptor that has beenconnected to the second rail member with a fastener that penetratesthrough the coupling adaptor and the fourth exterior surface portion.28. The railing system as claimed in claim 24; wherein the thirdexterior surface portion on the lower exterior side surface of the firstrail member opposes the fourth exterior surface portion on the upperexterior side surface of the second rail member.
 29. The railing systemas claimed in claim 28; wherein an axis normal to any one of the firstand second exterior surface portions is disposed in a transverserelationship to an axis normal to any one of the third and fourthexterior surface portions.
 30. The railing system as claimed in claim28; wherein an axis normal to any one of the first and second exteriorsurface portions is orthogonal to an axis normal to any one of the thirdand fourth exterior surface portions.
 31. The railing system as claimedin claim 29; wherein each one of the first and second rail membersincludes a respective plurality of connecting regions, wherein each oneof the connecting regions is formable into a locator space-uninsertablebarrier member receiving recess for receiving an end of any one of thelocator space-uninsertable barrier members such that an interference fitrelationship is provided between the locator space-uninsertable barriermember receiving recess and the locator space-uninsertable barriermember; and wherein, for each one of the plurality of substantiallyidentical locator space-uninsertable barrier members, a first end of thelocator space-uninsertable barrier member is engageable in aninterference fit relationship with a locator space-uninsertable barriermember receiving recess that has been formed within the first railmember, and a second end of the locator space-uninsertable barriermember is engageable in an interference fit relationship with a locatorspace-uninsertable barrier member receiving recess that has been formedwithin the second rail member, so as to effect the connection of thelocator space-uninsertable barrier member to both of the first andsecond rail members.
 32. The railing system as claimed in claim 31;wherein for each one of the plurality of substantially identical firstlocator space-uninsertable barrier members, a first protuberance isprovided proximate to a first end of the first locatorspace-uninsertable barrier member and a second protuberance is providedproximate to a second end of the first locator space-uninsertablebarrier member, wherein the first protuberance is engageable in aninterference fit relationship with a locator space-uninsertable barriermember receiving recess that has been formed within the first railmember, and the second protuberance is engageable in an interference fitrelationship with a locator space-uninsertable barrier member receivingrecess that has been formed within the second rail member, so as toeffect the connection of the locator space-uninsertable barrier memberto both of the first and second rail members.
 33. The railing system asclaimed in claim 31; wherein, for each one of the connecting regions ofeach one of the first and second rail members, the connecting region isformable into the locator space-uninsertable barrier member receivingrecess by cutting the connecting region to effect exposure of a cavityprovided within the respective rail member, wherein the locatorspace-uninsertable barrier member receiving recess includes the exposedcavity.